Amazon is moving forward with its Benito Skinner comedy.
The streamer has handed out a series order for Overcompensating, which has been in development at the retail giant and streamer since November 2022.
Skinner, better known as comedian Benny Drama, stars in the college-set ensemble comedy that Amazon describes as being about the “wild, chaotic journey of Benny (Skinner), a closeted former football player and homecoming king, as he becomes fast friends with Carmen, a high school outsider on a mission to fit in at all costs. With guidance from Benny’s older sister and her campus-legend boyfriend, Benny and Carmen juggle horrible hookups, flavored vodka, and fake IDs. Deeply funny and personal, the show explores the lengths to which we all overcompensate while on the path to finding out who we really are.”
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In addition to starring, Skinner writes and exec produces the series, which hails from awards magnet A24 and Amazon MGM Studios. Jonah Hill, Matt Dines and Ali Goodwin of Strong Baby will also exec produce. Charli XCX will produce original music for Overcompensating.
“The moment we heard this story from Benny, we knew it was an irresistible, bold story that would captivate and inspire our global Prime Video customers,” said Nick Pepper, head of U.S. SVOD wholly owned development, Amazon MGM Studios. “We look forward to Benito’s laugh-out-loud series coming to life with original music from Charli XCX and all the talented teams involved at A24 and Strong Baby who consistently deliver beautifully executed storytelling.”
Skinner has amassed a following of millions on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, where he’s known for his celebrity impressions, skits and original characters.
“I am so honored and excited to be partnering with Prime Video, A24 and Strong Baby to bring you Overcompensating,” said Skinner. “I wrote this pilot four years ago in an attempt to make people laugh, feel a little less alone, and maybe to work through some residual college trauma. Since then, the project has found the perfect partners and we are all so excited for people to see this show we love so much. I also want to thank Charli XCX for not being freaked out when I asked her if she would do the music before even introducing myself. Highly recommend! Mom and Dad … I’m going back to college!”
Overcompensating comes as Amazon has yet to make a formal decision on the future of High School, the critically acclaimed coming out series inspired by singer songwriters Tegan and Sara, and after cancelling the planned abbreviated second and final season of the queer-themed reimagining of A League of Their Own after all four final season scripts had already been completed.
